Compulsory Schooling and German Language Support in Austria in 2026

If you live in Austria with a child, school attendance is not optional: compulsory schooling applies regardless of citizenship. This guide explains when it begins and ends, what can happen after unexcused absences and how schools support children who do not yet speak enough German.

Who is subject to compulsory schooling in Austria?

General compulsory schooling (allgemeine Schulpflicht) applies to every child who resides in Austria on a long-term basis. It does not matter whether the child is an Austrian citizen or a citizen of another country. The rule applies both to EU citizens and to third-country nationals.

When moving from abroad, it is useful to bring previous school reports and school attendance certificates (Schulbesuchsbestätigung) with an English or German translation. This can speed up the child’s placement in the appropriate year group.

When does compulsory schooling start and how long does it last?

Compulsory schooling starts on September 1 following the child’s sixth birthday and lasts for nine school years.

One important detail is how the age is calculated: a year of age is considered completed at the end of the day before the birthday. Therefore, a child born on September 1 is already subject to compulsory schooling on their sixth birthday. A child who turns six on September 2 or later becomes subject to compulsory schooling from September 1 of the following year.

Typical school pathway

• Years 1–4, usually ages 6–10: Volksschule
• Years 5–8, usually ages 10–14: Mittelschule (MS) or the lower level of an AHS
• Year 9, usually ages 14–15: Polytechnische Schule, the upper level of an AHS, a vocational middle school or a vocational higher school

Children of compulsory school age with special educational needs (sonderpädagogischer Förderbedarf) are entitled to attend a special school (Sonderschule).

Compulsory schooling can also be fulfilled through equivalent education, such as a private school without public status, homeschooling or a school abroad. This requires notification to the responsible education authority (Bildungsdirektion), a determination of equivalence and an annual examination showing appropriate progress.

Who is responsible and what are the penalties?

Parents or other legal guardians are responsible for ensuring that the child attends school regularly and follows the school rules. Once a minor student has reached the age of 14, the student is also personally responsible alongside the parents. Parents must also provide the necessary textbooks, learning materials and work equipment.

• Up to 3 teaching days of unexcused absence: a warning or an individual agreement may be possible.
• More than 3 teaching days, whether consecutive or not: a report is made to the district authority (Bezirksverwaltungsbehörde).
• Penalty: between 110 and 440 euros, or up to two weeks’ imprisonment.

At the beginning of the school year, the class teacher informs students and parents about communication arrangements and the legal consequences of breaching compulsory schooling. Where necessary, the school may involve a learning counsellor, the school psychology service or school social work.

How is a child’s German assessed?

Assessment begins during the final kindergarten year before school starts. A standardised national tool is used to assess language competence: the “BESK KOMPAKT” version for native German speakers and “BESK-DaZ Kompakt” for children whose second language is German (Deutsch als Zweitsprache, DaZ).

Based on the results, a compulsory transfer sheet is sent to the primary school. It describes the child’s language strengths and the areas requiring further development.

At school, the required level of support is determined using the nationally standardised MIKA-D test.

What changes to German support from the 2026/27 school year?

Students who cannot follow lessons because their German skills are insufficient are treated as extraordinary students (außerordentliche Schüler). Since 2018/19, the system has included German support classes and German support courses (Deutschförderkurse).

From the 2026/27 school year, schools can design their German support independently so that it better reflects local needs. The previous model remains available to schools that wish to continue working in that way.

New from 2026: extraordinary students attending German support classes must attend summer school (Sommerschule).

The aim is for children to learn the language of instruction as quickly and intensively as possible, so they can learn with their class according to the curriculum. Mandatory diagnostic tools must be used during the lessons, and an individual development plan is prepared on this basis.

Is mother-tongue instruction available?

Yes. Mother-tongue instruction (Erstsprachenunterricht) is part of the Austrian state school system. At Volksschule it is offered as a non-compulsory activity (unverbindliche Übung). In other types of school, it is offered as an optional subject (Freigegenstand) or also as a non-compulsory activity. In the 2020/21 school year, it was available in more than 25 languages.

Frequently asked questions

Does compulsory schooling apply to every child living in Austria?

Yes, if the child resides in Austria on a long-term basis. Compulsory schooling is independent of citizenship.

When must a child born in September start school?

If the child turns six on September 1, they are subject to compulsory schooling in that year. If they turn six on September 2 or later, compulsory schooling begins on September 1 of the following year.

How much is the penalty for unexcused absence?

After more than three unexcused teaching days, a report follows. The penalty can be between 110 and 440 euros, or up to two weeks’ imprisonment instead.

Is summer school compulsory?

From 2026, yes, for extraordinary students attending German support classes.

Practical steps for families

1. Check the child’s date of birth against the September 1 rule to establish when compulsory schooling begins.
2. Collect previous school reports and school attendance certificates (Schulbesuchsbestätigung), preferably with an English or German translation.
3. Contact the responsible school and provide information about the child’s previous education and German language skills.
4. Ask how the school carries out the language assessment and whether German support classes or German support courses (Deutschförderkurse) are available.
5. If considering homeschooling, a private school without public status or a school abroad, contact the Bildungsdirektion in advance about notification, equivalence and the annual examination.
6. Report absences according to the school’s communication rules and keep records of any explanations or supporting documents.

This information is based on sources available online and does not constitute professional advice. For individual guidance, contact a qualified legal or education professional. Source: oesterreich.gv.at